Desirable outcome at World Health Assembly

The decision by the 73rd World Health Assembly to undertake an ‘impartial, independent and comprehensive evaluation’ of the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic is a positive move. China, despite its initial objections, has accepted and supported the resolution.

The Australia-EU initiative has the support of 123 member-states; and will undertake a proper investigation into the timeline and information-sharing on the Covid-19 pandemic. China tried to exert its economic muscle to stop the move but failed.

While the resolution does not go as far as the US would have liked it — Washington wanted China to be named — the overwhelming support for the resolution is critical, as it sets the stage for reforming the WHO and its functioning to equip it to handle global disease outbreaks better.

This outcome at the World Health Assembly is in line with the nuanced position taken by the EU and its member-states, India, and others. It reflects a clear understanding that as with Sars pandemic, China has not been completely forthcoming on Covid-19.

However, these countries also understand that blaming Beijing will not be productive, given China’s economic heft and position in the global economy. Ironically, it is US President Donald Trump and his administration’s hardline stance that gave China protection against a tougher resolution.

Examination of the international response to the pandemic and its zoonotic origin offers China some face-saving comfort, but not a win. The resolution makes it clear that most countries want a multilateral health agency that is robust and impartial. As the chair of the executive body of the WHO, India must now ensure that the inquiry into the timeline and handling of the Covid-19 pandemic is independent and thorough.

This piece appeared as an editorial opinion in the print edition of The Economic Times.